Page 8 - THE AGENDA
- - February 03, 2020
After graduating from Stanford University, Ben Chan quickly moved into a successful career as an investment banker and Wall Street trader...
But it is as COO of creative marketplace Envato that he has really stood out from the pack. The Melbourne-based digital start-up has quickly become the go-to hub for businesses looking to hire freelance designers, photographers, videographers and more – with a community of more than eight million users. We speak to the digital pioneer about his unlikely early ambitions, juggling his workload, and the best advice he’s received along the way.
Have you tried Australia's Favourite White Shirt?
If you think of your wardrobe as a building, basics like crisp, white shirts are the foundations. They are versatile enough to be dressed up or down and can be worn all year round. W look at how to wear them and why they are such an enduring wardrobe essential.
Why they work?
White shirts don’t have to feel formal. You can
- - February 02, 2020
Cruise your way, from first date to the big day
Finding a partner has never been easier.
But one thing your dating app is not going to tell you is how to choose an outfit that will turn a first date into a second one – and maybe even something serious.
To make sure you look the part, we walk you through what you need to know to nail your look for a first date, meeting their parents and – if you’re lucky – that big day, too.
FIRST DATE
Congrats, you’ve matched! That’s the easy part. Now time to nail first-date style.
In fact, it’s all about finding a balance between showing you’ve made an effort and choosing an outfit that lets you feel comfortable enough to be yourself.
After all, this isn’t a costume party – you want a look that shows your own personality. That’s what they’re going to fall in love with.
A classic suit is a great place to start, but rather than looking too formal in black or dark grey, a lighter shade of blue or something with a check or stripe is a nice
- - January 13, 2020
Tech 2020: Get in the know
The tech industry is moving at such a rate, sometimes it feels hard to keep track. Every week it seems like there is a new tablet, smartphone or wearable tech launch. And while that’s great for boosting your productivity, it’s not just Silicon Valley that’s getting in on the action. Fashion labels are also producing fabrics and fits that incorporate technology to look, fit and feel better than ever before.
GOLDEN AGE OF TECHNOLOGY
If you’re the kind of person who updates their smartphone with each new release, you’ll know that there’s never been a better time to be a techie. .
There are smartphones with screens that bend, there are fitness trackers that can tell you not just how many steps you’ve taken, but track your heart rate or let you know whether you’re getting a good night’s rest.
HIGH-TECH CLOTHING
A suit is a suit, right? Well, not exactly.
It turns out that even with this most enduring wardrobe staple, there is still plenty of room
- - December 30, 2019
Set your goals, make them happen.
There's no better time than the New Year to reflect on what you want to achieve in the 12 months ahead.
And while you might be thinking about that new gym membership or cutting back on the beers (or both), it’s also a moment to rethink your wardrobe and ensure you have what you need to look your best.
Here are five New Year style goals to get you started.
PUSH YOURSELF
It’s often easier to play it safe. But with a New Year just around the corner, now is the time to push the boat out a little more and have some fun with your personal style.
It doesn’t mean throwing out your wardrobe and starting from scratch, but with workplaces becoming more casual, there are more ways to express yourself than with a classic suit.
Try chinos and loose the tie, or go for tailoring in shades of light grey or blue, which will add a less formal touch to your daily look.
LEARN FROM THE BEST
As with mentors in life and your career, it pays to have style icons,
- - December 19, 2019
Know your Stuff
First things first – before we talk sizing or style, we need to start with the elements of perfect shirts.
1. Sizing
The collar is one of the most important components, since the measurement around your neck will often determine the size of shirt that will fit you best. These sizings, which are sometimes represented in inches, range from around 39-40cm (15in) for a medium, through to 41-42cm (16in) for a large shirt and so on. But while a shirt may fit well in the neck, you also need to ensure the chest and waist also measure up – which is where a slim-fit shirt can often help, especially for men with a slightly wider neck.
2. Quality Finishes
The other key components you need to know are the cuff (around 1.5-2cm should be showing at your jacket sleeve), and the front placket, which is the reinforced strip along the front of the shirt that holds the buttons and buttonholes. One sign of a quality slim-fit shirt are the ‘darts’ – a pair vertical cuts at the back, where fabric
- - December 13, 2019
Party season style with Shaun Birley.
Embrace effortlessly cool, smart summer style with fashion influencer and travel guru Shaun Birley. Check out three key looks to give you some party-season inspiration that will carry you from Sunday brunch, to your end-of-year party, to New Year’s celebrations.
OFF DUTY
Casual dressing is often overlooked. While many men feel comfortable in a suit and tie for work, or shorts and T-shirts for weekends, what guys often neglect is that sweet spot somewhere in between. It’s the kind of look that says you know when it’s time to switch off and stop checking emails – but you also mean business in the style stakes.
Your favorite shirt is perfect for more casual occasions but lose the tie and undo a couple of buttons. Trousers in a lighter shade are the stuff that summer was made for, but instead of that matching two-piece suit you’d wear to the office, contrast is key.
Add a point of difference with a blazer in a darker shade, such as navy
- - November 17, 2019
4 WAYS TO WEAR A TUX
Have a black-tie or cocktail event coming up? It’s time to whip out the tuxedo.
Stylist Jeff Lack and Fox Sports presenter Matt Suleau show you four ways to wear it.
KEEP IT CLASSIC
Nothing says well-dressed quite like a timeless, head-to-toe tuxedo look.
Firstly, make sure your suit is tailored well and consult a tailor if it’s been a while between events.
Team your tux with a pleat front tuxedo shirt, black bow tie and white pocket square.
Quick tip: switch out the shirt button cuffs for cufflinks
BLACK ON BLACK
For an edgier look, swap the white shirt for a black one and switch out the bow-tie for a black silk tie.
This bold, all black look (a favorite with the likes of Keanu Reeves, Chris Hemsworth and Sebastian Stan) will really make a statement.
ADD A SPLASH OF COLOUR
Stand out against a sea of black and white with colour. Steer clear of bright colours or novelty prints and stick to rich tones like burgundy and emerald green
- - October 31, 2019
3 WAYS TO WEAR THE THREE-PIECE SUIT...
Want to bring your A-game to the office? The three-piece suit is your answer. Stylist Jeff Lack shows you how to take it through the work week.
Monday
A suit with a matching waistcoat is your answer to dressing like a boss. Choose pattern over plain for a strong tailored look but keep the base colour classic – a navy suit with a highlight check is a failsafe choice. For shirting, stick to a timeless white shirt with a simple peak collar to let the three-piece ensemble shine. For the finishing touch, contrast the checks with a spot tie.
Mid Week
Give the jacket a break and make your waist coat the hero. It’ll also be a lot more comfortable as you head into the work week. For a sharp but relaxed look, keep the tie on but roll up the shirt sleeves. Accessories will add to the casually polished look: smart leather lace-ups and a tie bar are our picks.
Friday
For an even more relaxed look, or to switch up your suit later in the week,
- - October 30, 2019
MIX THINGS UP, MAXIMISE YOUR LOOK...
Ever thought of splitting up your favourite suits to maximise their potential? Stylist Jeff Lack shows you how to get the most out of your tailoring.
MIX & SWITCH
Wearing a matching suit jacket and pants together doesn’t need to be the default.
There’s plenty of ways to switch up your suits, while still looking sharp from boardroom to bar.
CONTRAST IS KEY
Look at your suit jacket and pants as separate pieces and mix them up with other suit separates in similar colours. Plain navy pants are a great starting point.
Team them with a navy pinstriped jacket or a lighter blue checked jacket. Make sure the contrast is obvious – a plain suit pant will complement but not compete with a highlight check or stripe.
ADD PERSONALITY
A classic navy suit is a must in any man’s wardrobe. Give the business shirt a break and replace it with something more fun like a paisley print shirt in a tailored fit.
A pair of coloured chinos will
- - June 28, 2017
Sure, we’re big believers in a roll-up-your-sleeves-and-get-things-done attitude. But sometimes, designing your workspace for success can be the difference between work that’s average and work that hits it out of the park.
While you absolutely should tailor your space to your taste and character, there are a few evergreen rules every man ought to embrace.
1. The Ergonomics
Really, to work is to wage war: on your competition, on your goals, on yourself. And if you’re going to wage war, you need to make sure you’re comfortable. Get your screen to eye level. Stretch every few hours. Invest in a top-notch ergonomic chair – it’s a worthwhile (and tax-deductible) exercise. Sure, you don’t need to dole out $1000+ for a Herman Miller Aeron, but their more affordable Sayl model? Worthy.
2. The Green
Plants are the easiest way to give your desk a little lift. The rule? Keep ‘em green, keep ‘em minimalist, keep ‘em masculine. Fiddle leaf figs are still the plant du jour and tick every box. If you’re